ISO 7240-3:2020

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 7240-3
Second edition
2020-03
Fire detection and alarm systems —
Part 3:
Audible alarm devices
Systèmes de détection et d'alarme d'incendie —
Partie 3: Dispositifs d'alarme sonores
Reference number
©
ISO 2020
© ISO 2020
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ii © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .vi
Introduction .vii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms . 2
3.1 Terms and definitions . 2
3.2 Abbreviated terms . 3
4 Requirements . 3
4.1 Compliance . 3
4.2 Sound pressure level . 3
4.3 Frequency and sound pattern . 3
4.4 Audible alarm devices (AADs) with voice . 4
4.5 Synchronization — Optional function . 4
4.6 Construction . 4
4.6.1 Provision for external conductors . 4
4.6.2 Materials . 5
4.6.3 Ingress protection . 5
4.6.4 Access . 5
4.7 On-site adjustment of the mode of operation . 5
4.8 Durability . 5
5 Tests . 6
5.1 General . 6
5.1.1 Atmospheric conditions for tests. 6
5.1.2 Operating conditions for tests . 6
5.1.3 Mounting arrangements . 6
5.1.4 Tolerances . 6
5.1.5 Provision for tests . 7
5.1.6 Test schedule . 7
5.1.7 Test report . 8
5.2 Reproducibility . 8
5.2.1 Object of the test . 8
5.2.2 Test procedure . 8
5.2.3 Requirements . 8
5.3 Operational performance. 9
5.3.1 Object of the test . 9
5.3.2 Test procedure . 9
5.3.3 Requirements . 9
5.4 Durability . 9
5.4.1 Object of the test . 9
5.4.2 Test procedure . 9
5.4.3 Requirements . 9
5.5 Dry heat (operational) . 9
5.5.1 Object of the test . 9
5.5.2 Test procedure and apparatus .10
5.5.3 Requirements .10
5.6 Dry heat (endurance) .10
5.6.1 Object of the test .10
5.6.2 Test procedure .11
5.6.3 Requirements .11
5.7 Cold (operational) .11
5.7.1 Object of the test .11
5.7.2 Test procedure .11
5.7.3 Requirements .12
5.8 Damp heat, cyclic (operational) .12
5.8.1 Object of the test .12
5.8.2 Test procedure .12
5.8.3 Requirements .13
5.9 Damp heat, steady state (endurance) .13
5.9.1 Object of the test .13
5.9.2 Test procedure .13
5.9.3 Requirements .14
5.10 Damp heat, cyclic (endurance) .14
5.10.1 Object of the test .14
5.10.2 Test procedure .14
5.10.3 Requirements .14
5.11 Sulphur dioxide (SO ) corrosion (endurance).14
5.11.1 Object of the test .14
5.11.2 Test procedure .14
5.11.3 Requirements .15
5.12 Shock (operational) .15
5.12.1 Object of the test .15
5.12.2 Test procedure .15
5.12.3 Requirements .16
5.13 Impact (operational) .16
5.13.1 Object of the test .16
5.13.2 Test procedure .16
5.13.3 Requirements .17
5.14 Vibration, sinusoidal (operational) .17
5.14.1 Object of the test .17
5.14.2 Test procedure .17
5.14.3 Requirements .17
5.15 Vibration, sinusoidal (endurance) .18
5.15.1 Object of the test .18
5.15.2 Test procedure .18
5.15.3 Requirements .18
5.16 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), immunity (operational) .19
5.16.1 Object of the tests .19
5.16.2 Test procedures.19
5.16.3 Requirements .19
5.17 Enclosure protection .20
5.17.1 Object of the test .20
5.17.2 Test procedures.20
5.17.3 Requirements .21
5.18 Operational performance for AADs with voice .21
5.18.1 Object of the test .21
5.18.2 Test procedure .21
5.18.3 Requirements .21
5.19 Sequence timing for AADs with voice .21
5.19.1 Object of the test .21
5.19.2 Test procedure .21
5.19.3 Measurements during conditioning .22
5.19.4 Requirements .22
5.20 Synchronization (optional) .22
5.20.1 Object of the test .22
5.20.2 Test procedure .22
5.20.3 Measurements during conditioning .23
5.20.4 Test requirements .23
6 Test report .23
7 Marking .24
iv © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

8 Data .24
Annex A (normative) Sound pressure level test for AAD .27
Annex B (normative) Comparative sound pressure level test during environmental
conditioning .31
Annex C (informative) Comparison of flammability test requirements in various standards .36
Bibliography .38
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see
www .iso .org/ iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 21, Equipment for fire protection and fire
fighting, Subcommittee SC 3, Fire detection and alarm systems.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 7240-3:2010), which has been technically
revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— EN 50130-4 has been replaced with IEC 62599-2 in 5.16.2.1 (electromagnetic compatibility
immunity test);
— marking has been moved to a new Clause 7;
— data and software have been moved to a new Clause 8.
A list of all parts in the ISO 7240 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
vi © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

Introduction
In a fire detection and alarm system, the purpose of the audible alarm devices is to warn person(s)
within, or near, a building of the occurrence of a fire emergency to enable such a person(s) to take
appropriate measures.
Audible alarm devices using voice messages are also for warning the occupants of a building of the
occurrence of a fire risk. These use a combination of an attention-drawing signal and dedicated voice
message(s). Additional requirements, test methods and performance criteria specific to audible alarm
devices with voice are also incorporated in this document.
ISO 8201 specifies the temporal pattern and the required sound pressure level of an audible emergency
evacuation signal.
This document recognizes that the exact nature of the sound requirements, i.e. its frequency range,
temporal pattern and output level, will vary according to the nature of the installation, the type of risk
present and appropriate measures to be taken, the type of danger signals used by other non-evacuation
alarms (see for example ISO 7731) and national differences in custom and practice. The resulting
standard specifies, therefore, a common method for testing of the operational performance of audible
alarm devices against the specification declared by the manufacturer, rather than imposing common
requirements.
This document gives common requirements for the construction and robustness of audible alarm
devices, as well as for their performance under climatic, mechanical and electrical interference
conditions which are likely to occur in the service environment. Audible alarm devices have been
classified in either an indoor or an outdoor application environment category.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 7240-3:2020(E)
Fire detection and alarm systems —
Part 3:
Audible alarm devices
1 Scope
This document specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for audible alarm
devices intended to signal an audible warning, with or without voice messages between a fire detection
and fire alarm system and the occupants of a building.
This document specifies fire alarm audible alarm devices for two types of application environment,
type A for indoor use and type B for outdoor use.
This document is not applicable to:
a) loudspeaker-type devices primarily intended for emitting emergency voice messages that are
generated from an external audio source;
b) supervisory audible alarm devices, e.g. within the control and indicating equipment.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 7240-1, Fire detection and alarm systems — Part 1: General and definitions
IEC 60068-1, Environmental testing — Part 1: General and guidance
IEC 60068-2-1, Environmental testing — Part 2-1: Tests — Test A: Cold
IEC 60068-2-2, Environmental testing — Part 2-2: Tests — Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-6, Environmental testing — Part 2-6: Tests — Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-27, Environmental testing — Part 2-27: Tests — Test Ea and guidance: Shock
IEC 60068-2-30, Environmental testing — Part 2-30: Tests — Test Db: Damp heat, cyclic (12 h + 12 h cycle)
IEC 60068-2-42, Environmental testing — Part 2-42: Tests — Test Kc: Sulphur dioxide test for contacts and
connections
IEC 60068-2-75, Environmental testing — Part 2-75: Tests — Test Eh: Hammer tests
IEC 60068-2-78, Environmental testing — Part 2-78: Tests — Test Cab: Damp heat, steady state
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)
IEC 60695-11-10, Fire hazard testing — Part 11-10: Test flames — 50 W horizontal and vertical flame
test methods
IEC 60695-11-20, Fire hazard testing — Part 11-20: Test flames — 500 W flame test methods
IEC 61672-1:2002, Electroacoustics — Sound level meters — Part 1: Specifications
IEC 62599-2, Alarm systems — Part 2: Electromagnetic compatibility – Immunity requirements for
components of fire and security alarm systems
3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
3.1 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 7240-1 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:/// www .electropedia .org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
3.1.1
A-weighted sound pressure level
sound pressure level expressed in dB(a), which is 20 times the logarithm to base ten of the ratio of the
A-weighted sound pressure to the reference pressure of 20 μPa at 1 kHz
Note 1 to entry: The A-weighting characteristics are given in IEC 61672-1.
3.1.2
audible alarm device
AAD
device intended to signal an audible warning of fire between a fire detection and alarm system and the
occupants of a building
Note 1 to entry: Audible alarm devices are sometimes referred to as “fire alarm sounders”.
3.1.3
mode of operation
one of a possible number of predefined sounds of the audible alarm device which can be selected by
means specified by the manufacturer
EXAMPLE Sound patterns, sound pressure levels.
3.1.4
reference point
point representing the origin of the sound within or on the surface of the audible alarm device as
specified by the manufacturer
Note 1 to entry: The reference point is used in Annex A.
3.1.5
sound pattern
predefined acoustic alarm signal
Note 1 to entry: Sound pattern is also often referred to as “tone”.
3.1.6
supervisory sounder
audible device on a piece of equipment used for drawing attention to a change of status
Note 1 to entry: Supervisory sounders are often mounted within the fire detection and fire alarm control and
indicating equipment.
2 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

3.1.7
type A AAD
device primarily intended for indoor applications
Note 1 to entry: Type A AAD may be suitable for some protected outdoor situations.
3.1.8
type B AAD
device primarily intended for outdoor applications
Note 1 to entry: Type B AAD may be more suitable than type A AAD for some indoor situations where high
temperature or humidity or both are present.
3.1.9
volume control
means for adjusting sound pressure level
3.2 Abbreviated terms
AAD audible alarm device
AC alternating current
DC direct current
RMS root mean square
4 Requirements
4.1 Compliance
In order to comply with the provisions of this document, an AAD shall meet the requirements of
this clause which shall be verified by visual inspection or engineering assessment, shall be tested as
described in Clause 5 and shall meet the requirements of the tests.
4.2 Sound pressure level
This document requires that the manufacturer declare sound pressure levels in the data required by 8.1.
The manufacturer may declare different sound pressure levels for operation under different conditions,
e.g. when operating on different voltage ranges or with different sound patterns. If this is the case, the
sound pressure level of each specimen shall be measured under each mode of operation (see 5.3).
When tested in accordance with 5.3, the AAD shall produce A-weighted sound pressure levels of not
less than 65 dB in one direction and the sound pressure level measured at each of the specified angles
shall not be less than that declared by the manufacturer.
4.3 Frequency and sound pattern
This document covers AADs which produce different frequencies and sound patterns and, therefore, does
not specify a minimum and maximum frequency or specific sound pattern. However, the main sound
frequency(ies), frequency range(s) and sound pattern(s) shall be declared in the data required in 8.1.
NOTE The sound patterns and frequencies required can vary in different countries. ISO 8201 specifies a
standard international evacuation signal.
4.4 Audible alarm devices (AADs) with voice
4.4.1 AADs using voice messages shall be capable of producing an audible warning signal and a voice
message or messages.
4.4.2 Representative messages related to fire safety shall be declared by the manufacturer and shall
be considered by the testing authority. The message determined to be worst case shall be subject to
conformance assessment.
When selecting the worst-case message, message length, loudness and repetition timing should be
considered.
4.4.3 For messages that require immediate action, the warning signal and message sequence broadcast
by the device shall be within the following limits:
a) warning signal, lasting for 2 s to 10 s; followed by
b) silence, lasting for 0,25 s to 2 s; followed by
c) voice message; followed by
d) silence, lasting for 0,25 s to 5 s.
The time for each cycle shall not exceed 30 s.
The periods of silence may need to be longer than indicated in certain circumstances, for example in
spaces with long reverberation times, but shall not be such that the time between the start of each cycle
exceeds 30 s.
For other messages, it is permitted to extend either or both the silence period after the voice message
and the period within which the message is repeated.
4.4.4 Access to the message recording function shall be restricted as specified in 4.6.4.
Persons recording messages should be trained in the proper use of microphones. The recordings should
be made in a room with a controlled acoustic environment having an ambient A-weighted noise level
not greater than 30 dB and a reverberation time not greater than 0,5 s from 150 Hz to 10 kHz.
4.5 Synchronization — Optional function
To prevent acoustic interaction of AADs installed in close proximity, AADs shall have provision for
synchronizing warning signals and messages with that of other devices. Synchronization shall meet the
requirements of 5.20.4.
Power interruption used for synchronization purposes shall not adversely affect the warning signal or
the voice message.
NOTE Synchronization can be achieved by internal circuitry, the addition of a trigger wire connected
between devices or by other means as defined by the manufacturer.
4.6 Construction
4.6.1 Provision for external conductors
4.6.1.1 The AAD shall provide space within its enclosure for entry and termination of external
conductors. Entry holes for conductors or cables shall be provided or the location where such holes can
be made shall be indicated by providing a template or some other suitable means.
4 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

4.6.1.2 Terminals for connecting external conductors shall be designed so that the conductors are
clamped between metal surfaces without being damaged.
4.6.2 Materials
The AAD shall be constructed of material(s) capable of withstanding the tests described in 5.2 to 5.17.
In addition, the material(s) of plastic enclosures shall meet the following flammability requirements:
a) IEC 60695-11-10 Class V-2 or HB75 for devices operating from a voltage source less than or equal to
30 V RMS, or 42,4 V DC and consuming less than 15 W of power;
b) IEC 60695-11-20 Class 5VB for devices operating from a voltage source greater than 30 V RMS, or
42,4 V DC and consuming more than 15 W of power.
NOTE Verification of conformance to 4.6.2 a) and 4.6.2 b) can be carried out by examination of a certificate
of conformity or equivalent (see Annex C).
4.6.3 Ingress protection
The degree of protection provided by the enclosure of the AAD shall meet or exceed the following
requirements:
a) type A – IP21C of IEC 60529.
b) type B – IP33C of IEC 60529.
4.6.4 Access
Means shall be provided (e.g. special tool, codes, hidden screws, seals) to limit access for removal of
parts or the whole device and to make adjustments to the mode of operation.
NOTE The use of a special tool is intended to discourage unauthorized persons from easily accessing the
equipment.
4.7 On-site adjustment of the mode of operation
If there is provision for on-site adjustment of the mode of operation of the AAD:
a) for each setting at which the manufacturer claims compliance with this document, the AAD shall
comply with 4.6.4;
b) any setting(s) at which the manufacturer does not claim compliance with this document, shall
comply with 4.6.4 and:
1) for volume controls, the limits of the compliant range of sound pressure levels shall be clearly
shown in the associated data,
2) for sound pattern(s), the compliant setting(s) shall be clearly marked in the associated data.
NOTE These adjustments can be carried out at the AAD or at the control and indicating equipment.
4.8 Durability
The AAD shall be rated for at least 100 h of operation. No limitation by the manufacturer on duty factor
or maximum on-time shall prevent the device from operating the 1 h “on” 1 h “off” cycle required by the
test procedure described in 5.4.
This requirement does not apply to the capacity of batteries which may be used within AADs as a means
of local storage of operating power. The capacity and charging requirements of such batteries need to
meet the requirements of the system.
5 Tests
5.1 General
5.1.1 Atmospheric conditions for tests
Unless otherwise stated in a test procedure, carry out the testing after the test specimen has been
allowed to stabilize in the standard atmospheric conditions for testing as specified in IEC 60068-1 as
follows:
— temperature: (15 to 35) °C;
— relative humidity: (25 to 75) %;
— air pressure: (86 to 106) kPa.
The temperature and humidity shall be substantially constant for each environmental test where the
standard atmospheric conditions are applied.
5.1.2 Operating conditions for tests
If a test method requires a specimen to be sounding, then the specimen shall be connected to suitable
power supply equipment as specified in the data provided by the manufacturer. Where, in order to be
sounding, a specimen also requires the application of a control signal or signals, this shall be provided
in accordance with the manufacturer's specification.
If a test method requires a specimen to be in the quiescent state, then the specimen shall not be supplied
with power unless it is an AAD of the type which has electronic circuits for analysing control signals
and triggering the sound operation. In this case the specimen shall be connected to suitable power
supply and control equipment, as specified in the data provided by the manufacturer and the control
signals shall be arranged so that the specimen is in a non-sounding state.
Unless otherwise specified in the test procedure, the supply parameters applied to the specimen shall
be set within the manufacturer's specified range(s) and shall remain constant throughout the tests. The
value chosen for each parameter shall be the nominal value, or the mean of the specified range.
If the manufacturer has declared different sound pressure levels for operation under different
conditions (see 8.1), then, unless otherwise specified by the test procedure, the tests shall be conducted
under one selected mode of operation only. Selection of the mode of operation shall be made with the
aim to use the one which consumes the most power. This will normally be the most continuous or the
loudest mode.
NOTE All modes of operation and all voltage ranges are tested in 5.3.
5.1.3 Mounting arrangements
Unless otherwise specified, the specimen shall be mounted by its normal means of attachment in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions on a flat rigid backing board. If these instructions
describe more than one method of mounting, then the method considered to be most unfavourable
shall be chosen for each test.
The detailed mounting arrangements are given in Annex A or Annex B for the different sound pressure
level tests used.
5.1.4 Tolerances
Unless otherwise stated, the tolerances for the environmental test parameters shall be as given in the
basic reference standards for the test (e.g. the relevant part of IEC 60068).
6 © ISO 2020 – All rights reserved

If a specific tolerance or deviation limit is not specified in a requirement or test procedure, then a
tolerance of ±5 % shall be applied.
5.1.5 Provision for tests
The following shall be provided for testing compliance with this document:
a) eight specimens of type A or ten specimens of type B AADs with any mounting, bases, boxes or
accessories, etc.;
b) any equipment, such as control and indicating equipment, as may be necessary for the correct
operation of the device in accordance with the manufacturer's specification;
c) the data required in 8.1.
The specimens submitted shall be deemed representative of the manufacturer's normal production
with regard to their construction and settings.
The details of the power supply equipment used or the equipment used for generating the control
signal(s) or both shall be given in the test report.
5.1.6 Test schedule
The specimens shall be tested and inspected according to the schedule given in Table 1.
All the specimens shall be first submitted to the reproducibility test described in 5.2. On completion of
the reproducibility test, the specimen with the lowest loud sound pressure level shall be numbered 1
and the rest shall be arbitrarily numbered from 2 to 8 for type A or 2 to 10 for type B.
Unless otherwise required by the test procedure, the mode of operation selected for conducting the
reproducibility test shall be used for the other tests.
Where, after one of the tests specified in 5.5 to 5.16, the sound pressure level of the specimen differs
from that measured during the reproducibility test by more than 6 dB, a new specimen shall be used
for the next test on the schedule for that specimen. The sound pressure level shall be first measured as
specified in 5.2.
The tests on an individual specimen may be carried out in any order except that the reproducibility test
(5.2) shall be performed first on all specimens and the tests on specimens 1 and 2 shall be carried out
in the order listed (i.e. 5.20 last).
Table 1 — Test schedule
Specimen number(s)
Test Subclause
Type A Type B
Reproducibility 5.2 all specimens all specimens
a
Operational performance 5.3 1 1
Durability 5.4 2 2
Dry heat (operational) 5.5 3 3
Dry heat (endurance) 5.6 — 9
Cold (operational) 5.7 3 3
Damp heat, cyclic (operational) 5.8 3 3
Damp heat, steady state (endurance) 5.9 3 3
Damp heat, cyclic (endurance) 5.10 — 10
a
For voice AADs, only the warning signal shall be measured.
b
The tests specified in 5.16 are not required for AADs which do not rely on active electronic components for their
o
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